Children’s needs change as they age so it’s only fitting that a custody arrangement created when a divorced couple’s children were toddlers may not be the best arrangement once their children become teens. Although it is possible for parents to work out new arrangements together and without any problems, some may find it more difficult and require the courts to intercede through a child custody modification. A child custody attorney can help parents navigate through the intricacies of child custody mondifications to protect the best interests of both the children and parents involved. If you would like more information about child custody modification, contact the Saunders Law Group in Bartow, FL. Our attorneys are committed to ensuring that their clients receive fair custody and will fight to protect your parental rights.
When Can Child Custody Be Modified?
When a divorce occurs between a couple with children, a child custody order is generally established to protect the children’s best interests. Sometimes, what’s best for children at the time of divorce may not be best later on. Because of this, child custody orders may be modified.
The two main reasons parents may seek a custody modification are when:
- A parent has violated a court order: One of the most common violations of a court order is a visitation violation. Visitation violations may include preventing a parent from seeing their children per the custody agreement or moving out of state with a child without the other parent’s consent.
- One or both parents have experienced changed circumstances: Changed circumstances must be substantial and have an effect on the child in order to warrant modifications. Some changes in circumstance may include changes to the environment in which the child lives or visits, changes in a parent’s conduct, or even a child’s wishes.
How Is Child Custody Modified?
In order to modify a child custody order, the parent requesting the change must provide evidence that the modification is necessary and a motion will need to be brought to court. A child custody attorney can help gather the necessary evidence as well as guide the parent requesting the modification through the process.
A new trial can be avoided if both parents agree to work together to come to a new arrangement that will best serve their children. By working together, parents can make the transition in the custody change easier and less stressful for their children.
When child custody is modified, child support may also need to change. Depending on the circumstances, like an increase in the parent who pays child support’s income, it may be possible to seek an increase in child support. Likewise, if the paying parent has suffered a dramatic decrease in income, it may be possible to seek a reduction in child support.
Contact the Child Custody Attorneys at Saunders Law Group
Child custody modification may be necessary to better fit a child’s changing needs. If you believe it’s in your child’s best interest to change your custody order, the family law attorneys at Saunders Law Group can review the details of your circumstances to help you and your family through your time of need. Contact our law firm today to schedule your private consultation.
